Odds and ends, here and there

We’re pretty dang lucky to live where we do. Our running community is so supportive of our athletes, local events and collegiate efforts. It's truly inspiring. And with a busy spring and summer ahead of us, here's a quick roundup of what's happening this time of year.

Boston Marathon roundup

In case you missed it, about a dozen runners from Butte County traveled to run in the Boston Marathon last Monday. Michael Daily finished in under 2 hours, 50 minutes. Robin St. Clare placed second in her age group. And finishing arguably the world’s most prestigious race fulfilled dreams.

Fleet Feet was even featured on Action News broadcasts throughout the day. Here’s the TV spot we appeared in at the top of the newscast: http://bit.ly/chico-boston-tv.

Oh, and Ric Ortner? He decided to not only run Boston last Monday, but also run the Big Sur Marathon yesterday. Simply amazing and inspiring, Ric!

Is it summer yet?

As the spring marathon training programs culminate with the Eugene Marathon on May 10, some of you may already chomping at the bit to get into the next program. Good news!

Training programs for the Summer Sizzler 5k and 10k are right around the corner. The programs include intermediate 5k, intermediate 10 and advanced 10k levels, beginning June 13 (don’t worry, we’ll keep reminding you).

The Summer Sizzler (which takes place August 9) is currently open for registration.

The No Boundaries 5k training program is also open for registration. We’re not jiving you when we say that this training program is a LIFE CHANGER. This summer’s NoBo program begins June 3, it also targets the Summer Sizzler, and registration is open.

Road trip anyone?

And the Chico State track and field team begins its quest for postseason excellence at the California Collegiate Athletic Association conference meet. Just a short drive to San Francisco State University, the meet runs from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2, as the Wildcats try to lock up as many NCAA qualifying marks for the NCAA Division II National Championships, which take place May 21-23 in in Allendale, Mich.

As you can see, there’s a lot going on locally this time of year. Be sure to keep up to date with local happenings by visiting our race calendar. 

My New Year's Resolution for 2015

I’m running the California International Marathon in 2015.

While that might not sound like a big declaration to some, it is to me, since I last ran a marathon in 2011. And, in all honesty, I’ve probably run around 100 miles in the four years since (most likely less).

It’s time to change.

I’m saying it here that, barring catastrophe, I plan to toe the line for CIM in exactly 11 months and one day.

The last time I started a marathon (my 10^th marathon), I didn’t finish it (the first time I’d ever done that). In Dec. 2011, I tried what’s playfully called a Daily Double: running two separate marathons in two different states in the same day (I did finish the first one, though, so there’s that…).

At the time I saw it as a fabulous failure, but now I recognize it as a necessary part of the work-in-progress called Me.

Those who know me know that running was a tremendously important part of my life. After my DNF in late 2011, I’ve had physical, personal and professional hiccups, all of which forced running to the back burner. And I’m OK with that.

What I’m not OK with is the lack of focus in maintaining my general health that hitched a ride like a hobo on a train. I need something to point to. I require a goal. I must be accountable.

It’s time to change.

And that’s why I’m outing myself here, saying publicly that I’m ready to train for, run and complete another marathon. If you read my last blog post (5 Ways To Stay Motivated During Winter), you’ll recall that No. 2 was “Make an intention, go public.”

After my fingers snapped those words out on my laptop, I realized that was what I needed to do. And well, this is me following my own advice.

Having hardly run over the last three years, I’m essentially starting from scratch, and it’s just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other over and over and over.

I know my body will hate me for a while, but to me that’s better than hating my body. I’d rather be in shape than existing as a shape (like, round). I want to get lost in my head during a run, instead of losing time on electronics.

Knowing me, I’ll want to attempt a Boston- qualifying time, but I’m not even there yet. And if I don’t qualify for Boston, if I merely finish, I’ll be ecstatic. I realize I took for granted the commitment it requires to train for and complete a marathon, but I’m ready to it again.

It’s time to change. 

Sports Bra Fit Fest

This Thursday, August 16th, Fleet Feet in downtown Chico is hosting a sports bra Fit Fest from 2pm-6pm.  Having a bra that fits properly is just as important as having the right fitting running shoe. Fleet Feet is giving a gift with R.S.V.P. and Moving Comfort will give a gift with purchase.  Also! We're raffling off two sports bras valued at $50 each!

To R.S.V.P. email sarah@fleetfeetchico.com or join on facebook.